2025 Audi Q5: adaptive cruise control problems

Filed Sep 12, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · VA

Brake Electronics Control Unit Failure (DTC U041800): Logged active diagnostic code U041800 (implausible signal in address 812C). Dealership records confirm no permanent remedy exists, with software patches delayed into Q3 2026, leaving active braking and electronic system faults unaddressed. Electrical Grid Collapse & Parasitic Battery Drain: Vehicle experienced exterior lights activating independently during sleep mode and cyclical 300mA to 2.0A parasitic draws. Required warranty replacement of the Central Electrical Control Module (J519), Low Voltage Power Distributor Module (J1282), and primary 12V battery (RO #AUCS214055). Powertrain & Transmission Engagement Failures: Experienced Check Engine Light cycling and a total failure to engage "Park" for 20 minutes. Scanned hard factory codes P187C00 (gear actuator 3 failure), P086900, and P270800, requiring ten consecutive distance sensor calibrations. Adaptive Cruise Control & Restraints Malfunctions: ACC fails to engage due to false occupant-detection logic errors, triggering phantom rear-seat belt warnings while driving solo and throwing error messages that compromise restraint safety architecture. Liftgate Architectural Failures: Rear trunk lid fails to open or latch fully due to software conflicts with the mobile key platform, causing the control unit to lose its calibrated position.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NY

On XXX at approximately 5:00 PM, my 2025 Audi Q5 (VIN: [XXX]) initiated an unprovoked forward collision warning and emergency braking intervention while I was traveling at approximately 57–58 mph on [XXX]. Road conditions were clear and dry. Weather was sunny. Adaptive Cruise Control was not activated. I was the sole occupant of the vehicle. A vehicle was making a lawful turn onto the roadway from a T-intersection. There was substantial distance between my vehicle and the turning vehicle. No collision risk existed and no evasive action was required. Despite this, the vehicle's forward collision system overrode my control and initiated emergency braking without cause. As a result of the sudden braking and the force of the seatbelt restraint during the event, I sustained abdominal pain and lower back pain that began immediately following the incident and persisted thereafter. This incident did not occur in isolation. Prior to this event, the vehicle had already exhibited a documented pattern of electronic and driver assistance system malfunctions, including intermittent check engine warnings, repeated false-positive driver assistance alerts, power liftgate malfunctions, sunroof malfunctions, and additional electronic irregularities. All of these concerns were reported to Audi Albany prior to the emergency braking event. Following a service visit, I was told nothing further could be done. The vehicle is currently at Audi Albany undergoing inspection at the request of Audi of America, including a review of the Event Data Recorder. I am filing this complaint to ensure the incident is part of the federal safety record. A driver assistance system that initiates emergency braking at highway speed without a valid hazard present, on a vehicle with a prior history of false-positive alerts, represents a safety defect that I believe warrants federal documentation and review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

I bought this car in 12/2025. After putting approximately 60 miles on the car, the onboard computer would not save the inputted data. Took back to dealership and update performed. Upon returning the car for this work, the adaptive cruise control would shut itself off on the way to the dealer. They could not replicate this issue. Since having the car for about 6 months the car has been in to the dealer approximately 7 times all for different warning lights including having the module needing to be replaced that controlled the A/C. The most recent problem is the vehicle locking up its brakes and rapidly fastening down on the seatbelt while driving stating a red danger message that flashes on the informatic screen and then disappears but will not show up on the MMI screen. This has happened twice in the last 10 days. Upon the first visit I was told that Audi has been having a lot of problems with the 2025 Q5 because of the computer. The car is currently back in the shop for continued safety components selectively turning off on their own and the car slamming on its brakes when there is no adverse event. There is supposed to be a patch coming out in Quarter 3 2026, but an actual update isn't set until 04/2027 per Audi service. I have stressed how not having these functions working correctly has made the car a hazard to drive as I never know when it will act appropriately. Also the lane departure feature does not always work appropriately and will try to hold in a improper travel and will jerk the wheel. I have completely turned that function off since it has tried to turn me into on coming traffic.

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · Driver assistance · WA

I had adaptive cruise control on in moderately flowing traffic on the highway. Without warning the adaptive cruise control on it's own turned off/disengaged and slammed on the brakes. I had not changed lanes nor had anyone moved in front of me. The weather was clear. My safety and the safety of those behind me was put at risk. I've taken the vehicle to the dealer and they have not been able to reproduce the issue yet. They inspected the vehicle and took it for an initial 7 mile test drive, said they didn't find any problems and tried to return the car. There were no warning lamps or messages before or after the incident. I didn't notice any when it happened as I was focused on trying to avoid an accident. Prior to the incident the adaptive cruise control has turned off multiple times with the message " Adaptive cruise assist: currently not available" for no apparent reason, but this is the first time hard breaking was applied.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · IN

The 2025 Audi Q5 has a systemic problem with its Multi Meidia and driver assist features, such as cruise control, side mirrors, back up camera, directional maps, etc, which malfunction at inopportune times causing major distraction while driving. Audi has been aware of the problem since 2025 and had a partial patch available in 2025, but did not inform drivers nor make it available unless requested by vehicle owner. Dealers, such at the dealer we purchased our Audi Q5 from, D-Patrick, Evansville IN, did not make us aware of flaws, and kept inidicating that it was or phones or other situations which could be easily adjusted, which was false. We did not feel safe using the vehicle and conatantly look for alternatives, due to fear and safety concerns. The first incident occured immediately after pruchase of the vehicle and has continued on a repeat basis. There are numerous reviews on line with 2025 Q5 owners reporting safety concerns while operating these vehicles.

Filed May 21, 2026 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · MA

Adaptive cruise control not working....,Intermitently shutting off. This is coinciding with numerous engine, oil and gas warning lights going off in the Audi MMI system. Lead tech at Audi dealership in Norwell MA is telling me that this is a well known issue with the 2025 Audi Q5 needing a software update that will not be available until sometime in the 3rd quarter

Filed May 20, 2026 · Driver assistance · IL

Regarding the adaptive cruise control, sometimes the system won't engage. The first time this happened a warning popped on the screen saying something about seatbelts. I've learned that the problem can be "fixed" by pulling off the road and turning the car completely off. That includes opening a door to silence the radio. The cruise has always worked afterwards. Sometimes while driving on cruise control, in a straight line, the car brakes abruptly for no apparent reason. Granted we were on the interstate and there was traffic but no reason whatsoever to brake. The cruise control is easily confused on roads with multiple lanes and sharp curves, like on [XXX] between Asheville, NC and Knoxville, TN. The car will brake abruptly, seemingly sensing a car in front of me but in a different lane. Sometimes when reengaging cruise control the speed goes not to the speed I had set but what it "sees" as the posted speed limit. This caused the car to speed up in a construction zone and slow to a speed below the prevailing speed of traffic around us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

I am reporting a safety-related defect involving my 2025 Audi vehicle. Shortly after leasing the vehicle in 09/2025, I experienced electrical and system malfunctions while driving, including warning lights, intermittent adaptive cruise control malfunctions, erratic acceleration, sputtering, and sudden braking without warning. These issues occurred during normal driving and raised safety concerns. On 11/03/2025, the vehicle failed to start and required multiple jump starts, displaying multiple system errors including a check engine light and malfunctioning displays. During a brief attempt to drive, the steering wheel began vibrating, additional warnings appeared, and the vehicle behaved as if on rough terrain despite normal pavement. The vehicle was towed to the dealership on 11/04/2025. While there, Audi’s Technical Assistance Center (TAC) and engineers were involved, and I was informed that internal technical guidance was issued related to this issue, indicating it may not be isolated. After more than two weeks, I was told the vehicle was repaired. On 11/19/2025, immediately after pickup, it malfunctioned again at highway speed. During lane changes, the vehicle resisted steering input and attempted to keep me in the lane despite signaling, creating a loss-of-control situation that required abrupt correction. A rear crash assist malfunction warning also appeared. I returned the vehicle the same day. Although it may start and run, I do not believe it is safe to operate due to the prior loss-of-control event and continued system instability. I have been asked to drive it again to reproduce the issue, which I do not feel is safe. This may involve a defect in driver assistance and electronic control systems.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Driver assistance · TX

The ADAS is not working properly. Adaptive cruise control, emergency assist, lane departure, active front assist, distance warning, traffic sign recognition, adaptive light, etc. are all not working. The check engine light is illuminated, the key fob would not open car (not a battery issue) and the seat belt tensioner is not working properly. Those ADAS features are there for a reason and that is to enhance the safety of me, my passengers and other drivers. The key fob allows quick access to my vehicle, which enhances my safety when alone or with others. The seat belt tensioner provides restraint during an accident so neither I nor my passenger will go head first into the windshield, air bags and/or steering wheel/dashboard. The problems have been confirmed with the dealership. Yes, it has been inspected by the dealership. Yes, they first appeared January 2025. My car is currently at the dealership supposedly waiting for a backordered seat belt tensioner. It has been at the dealership for 22 days and I haven't any idea of when I will be getting the vehicle back. I purchased it in October 2025. It has been driven less than 5,000 miles.

Filed Feb 20, 2026 · Driver assistance, Visibility · KS

I periodically receive warnings for adaptive light malfunctions, headlight assistant malfunctions, active lane assist malfunctions, traffic sign recognition malfunctions, adaptive cruise assist malfunctions, and high beam assist malfunctions. The Audi dealer confirmed these issues and stated a solution is being worked on but currently not available since it appears to be a software issue. These warnings first appeared within the first 250 miles and has continued to periodically appear. These issues are available for inspection. The malfunctions jeopardize the safety measures which are standard on the car.

Filed Feb 12, 2026 · Driver assistance · AZ

I am reporting a recurring safety defect in my 2025 Audi Q5 (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has been in the dealership for approximately 42 non-consecutive days for repeated malfunctions of multiple safety systems.While driving, the vehicle displays warnings and disables the following systems: SOS, Adaptive Cruise Assist, Active Front Assist/Distance Warning, Lane Change Warning, Proactive Occupant Protection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Light, Emergency Assist, High-Beam Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, and Distance Warning. These systems intermittently fail and become unavailable, triggering dashboard alerts and warning messages.Despite multiple repair attempts, the same failures continue to reoccur. The dealership has acknowledged the issue and stated that a fix exists; however, they advised that the necessary repair parts or software will not be available for approximately 3–6 months. I was instructed to take the vehicle back and continue driving it until the fix becomes available.I am extremely concerned about operating a vehicle with known unresolved safety defects affecting numerous driver assistance and crash prevention systems. The repeated failure of these systems significantly impacts the safe operation, reliability, and value of the vehicle. I am requesting investigation into this matter and the delay in providing a timely repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · FL

I bought the car on September 2, 2025. The car has been in the dealer 5 times. The last one started on December 2, 2025, and still in the dealer as of today (January 8, 2026) no solution has been found. Most of the time is having problem with the technology in the car. I cannot even drive it. It has problem with cameras, Traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise assistant, adaptive light malfunction, headlight assistant malfunction, Audi active lane assistant malfunction, accessibility service malfunction, driver system malfunction (limited vehicle performance), and the list keep on going. I am trying Audi America to buy my car back. I have the car for 4 months and I have use it for approximately 3 weeks (milage as of today 1,529 - several miles done to test the car by the technicians).